The announcement, which marked a pivotal political moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was made Monday morning via a statement posted on X by Corneille Nangaa, the movement's coordinator.

 After living in forced exile for a considerable amount of time, mostly in South Africa and Zimbabwe, Kabila has returned to the eastern city.

 His choice to return via Goma is viewed as both strategic and symbolic, according to AFC/M23.

 "This well-known political figure's return is welcomed.  The statement said, "He made the correct decision by returning instead of continuing to live in forced exile.

 Goma is currently the only region of the nation free from hate speech, arbitrary arrests, political persecution, and tribal prejudice, AFC/M23 emphasized.

According to the movement, Goma has welcomed delegations from a variety of backgrounds since February. One such delegation was a joint mission from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), which AFC/M23 says blessed the peace initiatives under their jurisdiction.

 Additionally, the group presented Goma as a safe sanctuary for political actors who want to function without interference.

 They declared that "all compatriots who wish to engage in political activities in a republican spirit are welcome to enter the gates of Goma, which are also the gates of Congo."

Katumbi's response

 There have also been strong political responses to Kabila's return.  In a scathing letter posted on X, prominent opposition politician and former Katanga governor Moïse Katumbi supported Nangaa's views.

 "Dear coordinator @CNangaa, I support you.  Your statement is profound, painful, and truthful.  The people who were meant to take the lead in the struggle for freedom and justice have failed.  Katumbi wrote, "They've forgotten why they once rose up."

 "Whereas Kinshasa crushes, humiliates, insults, and divides, Goma welcomes, protects, and unites," he said, drawing a comparison between the current leadership in Kinshasa and the atmosphere in Goma.  Joseph Kabila is even going back there.  That alone demonstrates the extent to which Tshisekedi's government has displaced all of the Republic's ideals.

Katumbi called for change as he concluded his remarks, saying, "Today, we only want to see Tshisekedi removed from office.  Congo is worthy of more than this covert dictatorship, this institutionalized tribalism, and this system of incompetence.  I appreciate you speaking aloud what so many others are silently contemplating.  The people will make the decision.

 Senators from the Democratic Republic of Congo decided last week to remove Joseph Kabila's immunity, opening the door for potential prosecution for alleged ties to the M23 rebel organization.  The action came after police seized his assets on suspicion of aiding the rebels.

 Reports surfaced that Kabila had traveled to Goma in April, something he has categorically denied, and the situation worsened.

Kabila dismissed the charges as politically driven and based on rumors in a May 23, 2025, speech to Congolese, clarifying that he had not been to Goma but had plans to visit shortly.

 Even if such a visit had taken place, he added, it would have been in the spirit of communication with fellow Congolese, particularly in light of the government's current peace negotiations with M23 leaders in Qatar.

 The AFC/M23 asserts that it defends the rights of underprivileged people, especially Kinyarwanda-speaking communities that have endured persecution in eastern Congo for a long time.

The gang has taken control of important areas after a significant onslaught, including the cities of Bukavu and Goma, which it captured in January 2025.

 The Congolese government and M23 held negotiations as a result of recent mediation attempts by the United States and Qatar.  Tensions are still high, though, and Kinshasa is allegedly determined to carry out more military action.

 The administration of President Félix Tshisekedi is reportedly looking for additional mercenaries from Colombia after the Romanian mercenaries who were defeated by M23 withdrew.

 The DRC's political landscape seems to be changing as Katumbi's resistance and Kabila's comeback meet in the east, potentially paving the way for more opposition alignment in the run-up to future national transitions.